Microsoft word - news release deering case.doc

News Release: For Immediate Release Animal Rescue League of NH Contact Robin McCune at (603) 472-5714 or Maureen Prendergast at (603) 471-0888 June 29, 2010
Animal Rescue League of NH Investigates 13th Hoarding Case Bedford- The Animal Rescue League of NH’s Animal Cruelty Investigator, Maureen Prendergast was called in by the town of Deering to assist with a complaint of possible animal neglect involving multiple cats. Ms. Prendergast was able to meet with the home owner initially who willingly turned over 18 felines but then changed her mind about giving up the rest of the animals. At that point, based on the condition of the initial cats that were surrendered, the police decided to obtain a search warrant to seize the remaining animals. On Monday, June 28th, Ms. Prendergast was able to seize an additional 18 felines and one dog living in deplorable conditions from the property for a total of 37 animals. Dr. Shalsee Gibbs from the Animal Medical Center Emergency and Referral of New England volunteered her time to check out the initial 18 felines brought to the shelter. At that point she found that in addition to general poor health, ear mites and severe dental infections, all were suffering from severe upper respiratory and eye infections. The cats were all exposed to FIV, (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) a potentially fatal virus. Because of their exposure, the cats will all be quarantined for two months prior to being available for adoption. All the felines from this hoarding situation have been started on different forms of antibiotics such as Doxycycline and Clavamox as well as Terramycin for their eyes. Several of the felines will most likely need surgery for eye and teeth removals which are costs the League will ultimately absorb. A Beagle was also taken into protective custody on June 28th due to the conditions of the home. The 19 animals which were removed during a search warrant will not be available for adoption until the case is resolved in court. This case is the 13th hoarding case the League has seen this year, resulting in 234 animals being brought into the League from homes that were in deplorable conditions. As each case comes in, the League’s medical bills for these animals skyrocket. At this point the League is already 58% over budget for medical costs. To make a donation to assist with the medical care of the accumulating hoarding cases, go to www.rescueleague.org and click on “Make a Donation.” Please include “Medical care” on the designation line. Donations in the form of a check may be mailed to ARL-NH, 545 Route 101, Bedford, NH. 03110. About the ARL: Pets give us so much. They teach us compassion, protect our families, work as therapy professionals, and entertain us. Pets comfort us when we've had a bad day and touch our hearts with their unconditional love. At the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire we save pets' lives, and they enrich ours. The ARL NH is open to all residents of New Hampshire, and actively serves the towns of Amherst, Auburn, Bedford, Brookline, Candia, Dunbarton, Francestown, Goffstown, Hollis,
Hooksett, Litchfield, Londonderry, Lyndeborough, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, New Boston, Peterborough, Wilton, and Windham.